Hereford College of Arts

Hereford College Of Arts was initially founded in the 1850s in the heart of Hereford and was known as the school of art before becoming the Hereford College of Arts & design. The name was altered to reflect the addition of performing arts and music. Since then, it has expanded to provide local, national, and international students with a wide range of courses and credentials. A much-needed social café and exhibition space was made available in 2012 with the opening of a new Arts Space and Folly Lane's main entrance. The cutting-edge, modern space was created by Hewitt Studios and built by Keir Moss with funding provided entirely by college reserves. The design incorporates outdoor spaces with landscaped gardens. This extremely useful area has already played host to a number of exhibitions and events in addition to being used on a daily basis by staff and students. It is furnished with eye-catching café furniture, plush couches and tables, interchangeable exhibition panels, wifi, and touch-screen computers.

The former Royal National College building on College Road was purchased by HCA in June 2013. Degree-seeking students are now closer to the main campus on Folly Lane thanks to this outstanding building, which also offers the growing University-Level community much-needed teaching, social, studio, and workshop spaces. There is also plenty of nearby, reasonably priced student housing, including residence halls. The spaces were renovated and transformed into studios, workshops, an on-site library, photographic studios and stores, dark rooms, and IT facilities including a sizable digital Mac and printing suite during the summer of 2013. The college provides local, national, and international students with courses in both further and higher education fields of Art & Design, Music, and Performing Arts. The College has two campuses: the former Royal National College for the Blind building on College Road where university-level courses are offered, and Folly Lane where college-level courses are offered.

The only course of its kind offered in the UK is the BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing Course, which is taught at the biggest teaching forge in Europe. Regular student exhibits of their work are held at HCA, and the college annually hosts a summer show that draws thousands of visitors. Before they graduate, many students sell their work through commissions, live briefs, and their own practices. Regular productions are put on by the music and performing arts students both inside the college and at venues outside. Students regularly attend specialised events and conferences and maintain strong relationships with outside businesses to advance their activities.